Herbs, Plants, Trees and Roots | August, 2011

You entered Hog Apple, the more common name is...

Root soaked in whiskey and taken for rheumatism and as a purgative, powdered root used on ulcers and sores and  can be eaten to correct constipation. Roots used to make a spring tonic. This plant was used to make love charms as well as for medicinal purposes.

Mandrake

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
(Podophyllumm peltatum)


Mandrake can be found growing in wooded areas of eastern North America. A herbaceous perennial, the stems can grow up to 40 cm high with umbrella-like leaves. A single white flower with 6 to 9 petals blooms in May and matures into a greenish-yellow fruit. Thick tubers connect the individual shoots of this plant.



Common Names:

Duck’s Foot, Ground Lemon, Hog Apple, Indian Apple, Love Apples, Mandragora, May Flower, American Mandrake, Racoon Berry, Wild Lemon, Wild Mandrake


Mandrake

Uses:

Root soaked in whiskey and taken for rheumatism and as a purgative, powdered root used on ulcers and sores and can be eaten to correct constipation. Roots used to make a spring tonic. This plant was used to make love charms as well as for medicinal purposes.



Applications:

Tincture:
Made from soaking root in whiskey. Drink 1 Tbsp. a day for no more than 5 days.


Warnings:

A very powerful herb, Mandarke should be used with extreme caution. It has toxic properties that have resulted in birth deformities and fatalities. Tiny amounts of root or leaves are poisonous. Powdered root and resin can cause skin and eye problems. Other herbs can give the same results and are much safer to use.

With any herb, there is the risk of an allergic reaction. Small children and pregnant women should use additional caution when considering the use of herbal remedies.